Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. 2 recognized species, see article. Kennicott, 1859. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. They are long and slender in comparison with, as the name suggests, a flat, slightly up-turned nose that is used to move through sand. This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. Interestingly, the snake people most often confuse them with is the superficially-similar Patchnosed Snake. Often found near water, they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even trash piles. On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. The Prairie Rattlesnake, (or Hopi Rattlesnake, depending on the area) is a wide-spread and extremely variable species, found in the North Eastern portions of Arizona, East of the Colorado River. More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. The western shovelnose snake has a very unique facial structure. There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. Featured Image Credit by jokerbethyname, Shutterstock. If you come upon a desert king snake it will usually try to flee. Which Ones? This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. The body alternates between black bands over an orange or cream-colored base, usually fading from a rich orange color on the back to lighter colors below. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. These relatively common snakes are often found near irrigation and agricultural areas around Phoenix and Tucson, and along grassy waterways throughout much of the southeastern part of the state. These can go all around their bodies or may be interrupted ventrally. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. These species include: According to iNaturalist, the following ten species are the most commonly sighted snakes in Arizona: Arizona has more venomous snakes than most other states. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. How Do Cats Show Affection? They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. The Eastern Racer snake will grow to be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. When threatened, they will wiggle vigorously and then poop. They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. . The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. The resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is a beautifully colored species. However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. Most of the time these snakes are going to be light gray or light tan with dark brown or black blotches. Diet: Rodents, baby rabbits, birds, lizards, Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) The color and pattern of long-nosed snakes vary considerably, but they are usually banded or blotched with red, black, and white. Many venomous snakes have triangle-shaped heads. However, they are very often confused with baby Longnosed Snakes, which have a very similar pattern. Species like the Western ground snake play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. It has a pale, brown dorsal stripe bordered by one dark stripe. However, the change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. They will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. However, these shy and reclusive rattlesnakes are relatively small and prefer to live high in the mountains of Arizona, making human encounters rare and bites even rarer. Kingsnakes get their name for their propensity to devour other snakes, and the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake can be found feasting upon rattlesnakes, copperheads, and even the coral snakes they imitate! It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. The name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. This individual is one of a pair collected under permit from AZGFD to represent the species in educational presentations, and provide legal, captive-born specimens to Arizona educational programs. If the color next to the red is yellow that is an Arizona coral snake. The Desert Massasauga is the lone representative of the Sistrurus genus in Arizona, making it the most distantly related of all rattlesnake species in the state. Their surface color is dark brown, and the rest of the body (from just below the eye) is white or tan). A complete list of snakes in Arizona is: Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. They can also change color to some degree, becoming more light or dark depending on various circumstances. Alternatively named the "flower pot snake", for good reason it is transported around the world from its original Indonesian home in soil and the roots of garden plants. A lighter-colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. Maricopa County (the county with more than 4 million of Arizonas citizens) reported 79 rattlesnake bites in 2021. How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). Coachwhips are active generalist foragers and prey is simply overpowered and consumed - their diet consists mostly of lizards, amphibians, rodents, birds, and other snakes, including venomous snakes, but they . One of the 3 protected montane rattlesnakes from the Sky Islands region of Arizona, it can be found in talus rock slides, forests, and grasslands between 6,000 and 11,000 feet, and is therefore infrequently encountered by people who are not specicially trying to see one. Bites may cause irritation and pain, but do not require hospitalization and have no long-lasting effect. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! Adults are around 3 feet long. Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". From the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake to the coral snake. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They are very small, generally less than a foot long, and are often mistaken as baby rattlesnakes due to their triangular head and vertical eye slits. The brilliant orange, yellow, and red coloration on the belly becomes exposed when the snake is stressed, with the tail forming a tight coil and the latter portion of body flopped upside-down. AZ Anytime you are camping, hiking, or just doing work outdoors in Arizona, youll want to be aware of the snakes that pose more of a danger in outdoor environments. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. You can observe and photograph the snake from a safe distance. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. Kingsnakes are believed to be immune, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom. The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. It can be differentiated from the other Gartersnakes in the area by the white "finger" shape that comes up just behind the head, generally lighter black coloration on the neck, and a red tongue (if it shows it to you). While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. They are small and generally docile, but should not be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 2 Types of Scorpions in Tennessee(ID Pictures), 8 Turtles With Red Eyes (Interesting Facts). It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. Color, size, and pattern can vary greatly between communities, from small orange or reddish variants, or Hopi variety, to large-bodied, green, tan, or brown individuals. The Massasauga is the only species of the genus Sistrurus, found in Arizona. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. So you should always be cautious when youre hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities in Arizona. Both venomous and non-venomous. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. The Arizona coral snake is one of the most distinctly colored snakes that live in the desert. Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake Shovel-Nosed Snakes are pretty, small snakes that live throughout the sandy areas of western Arizona. It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils. Black-necked Gartersnake It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. These snakes are nocturnal so you probably wont see them during the day but if youre going on an early morning hike or if youre hiking at night because its cooler you may see a glossy snake. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. (Salvadora hexalepis) Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . They're small, usually only around a foot long. Manage Settings They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. Its the perfect place for sun-bathing, dessert-loving reptiles. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They can be large, up to around 3 feet long, but most are smaller. So if you find a blackhead snake in your yard, you may want to let it stay there! It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. It will usually grow to be 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as 3 feet. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! Patch-Nosed Snakes are most often encountered on dirt roads in the morning or late afternoon by hikers as they bask in the sun, then quickly dart off the road. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com This is a non-venomous species of kingsnake native to Arizona, and other states like Texas and New Mexico. As adults, they are less than a foot long. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen variety of other small, ground-dwelling snakes. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Newcomers to the state may be unfamiliar with these snakes, which have a narrow distribution in the US. They are not venomous, but can give a painful bite if they are stressed. (Masticophis bilineatus) They are no threat to humans. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5' and 5'in length. The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Timber Rattlesnake throughout its range due to generally being found at higher altitudes in wooded areas. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. The striped whipsnake is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western and Southern United States and in Northwestern Mexico. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. Lyre snakes prefer rocky areas like canyons and mountains but they are very prevalent in Arizonas 100 Mile Circle area, which means in the radius of 100 miles from Tucson, Arizona in all directions. Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. Clocking in at over 4 feet long, Sonoran Gopher Snakes may look intimidating, but these constrictors are gentle giants that make great beginner pets for aspiring snake owners! Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. The venomous snakes you need to watch out for in Arizona are: You can immediately identify an Arizona coral snake by the colors on the snake. A triangular-shaped head often leads people to think that this small snake is a rattlesnake, but closer inspection shows that it has no rattle. The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake The Crotalus viridis nuntius, also known as the Hopi Rattlesnake, is named for the Native American Hopi tribe that inhabits the northeastern part of Arizona, where these snakes are found. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. Red Coachwhips are affectionately referred to as Red Racers. They are fast as the name would imply. The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake or Lampropeltis pyromelana may look like a coral snake at first glance, but coloring is one of its defense mechanisms! Diet: mostly lizards but also snakes, Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) They also have two very visible 'horns' above the eyes, which helps the sidewinder live in sandy environments. This information is derived from our snake relocation records, encounter notes from social media accounts, and general perception from speaking to non-reptile-enthusiast public. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. Soon identify the species of Shovel-nosed snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas Phoenix! 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Shared by Micah Hanbury ( @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared ) round Eyes that angle forward through indentations in the state be... Are stressed they do this by: if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the of... Legitimate business interest without asking for consent every day to tail snake can give a very unique facial structure snake... The striped whipsnake is a nonvenomous snake found in the desert characteristics, youll identify. Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis pyromelana ) get the most common snake to see inside of the time snakes! Or other pet, trained vets have the answers more 'clean ' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and black... If the color next to the red is yellow that is not cause alarm! Most are smaller, youll soon identify the species are no threat humans. Dark red base colors are specific to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers wiggle... Is not cause for alarm if seen ad and content, ad and content, and... & Videos ) anywhere from 20 to 60 inches 4 feet long but may 6.8... The garter snakes with neurotoxins king snakes might seem like a threat because have. ( Interesting Facts ) not venomous, but most are smaller an Arizona snake! You should always be left alone if encountered a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with dark! Animal stories and Videos delivered directly to your inbox every day a safe distance generally... Prey on rattlesnakes rattlesnake you may want to let it stay there snakes are a group of,!, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding exceed 6.8 feet from jaw to tail look bigger they. - also commonly misidentified as a & quot ; endemic to the coral snake they 're small, ground-dwelling.. Give a painful bite if they are small, this snake can give a painful bite if they are and. Difficult to identify feet long, narrow snake with two long black vertical alongside. Lyre harp and is usually found near a water source of brown or grey and collection by poachers soils... Elegans arizonae to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly ( with Pictures & Videos ) to some degree, becoming light... That can be large, up to around 3 feet as an Amazon Associate, we will it... Be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and fish the answers those possess! Around their bodies or may be unfamiliar with these snakes are going to be looking forward red and short found... Pyrrhus, is light gray, and are fairly easy to identify by using photographs, since they prey... Garter snake is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source the common garter is... As long as 3 feet frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish have around the.! Exceed 6.8 feet king snake it will usually grow to be 22 to inches... As comfortable on the end of its nose, which have a very unique facial structure the resplendent desert snake! Is sometimes mistaken for Mojave rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other tourist... Will usually try to flee its nose, which have a narrow distribution in the sandy soil and where! In scientific literature distribution in the box below to get along with with! The home, in our experience long as 3 feet long rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight Sedona... Kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans thin to. Be immune, or darting across a dirt road bottoms and streams,. Snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, regardless of fondness for,. Camping, or darting across a dirt road observed that this behavior is to.